Rarotonga, Cook Islands — 03 October 2025 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration was pleased to support the participation of Senior Foreign Service Officer, Mr Eden Brown, in the 11th Diplomatic School for Junior Diplomats, hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of the Republic of Kosovo in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.
Held in Pejë, Kosovo, from 22–26 September 2025, the Diplomatic School brought together 45 young diplomats, each from different countries around the world. Under the theme “Diplomacy in Times of Global Challenges: Security, Technology, and Geopolitical Shifts” the programme explored how diplomacy and international order must adapt to an increasingly complex global environment shaped by hybrid warfare, digital transformation, and geopolitical fragmentation.
The programme also featured contributions from prominent leaders and practitioners, whose insights enriched participants’ understanding of the intersection between domestic governance and international engagement — an area of particular significance for smaller states navigating an increasingly interconnected global environment.
Among the distinguished speakers were Ms Liza Gashi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo, who shared perspectives on the strategic importance of diaspora engagement in advancing national development and foreign policy ambitions; and Mr Dimal Basha, Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, who reflected on the role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting democratic governance and institutional accountability.
Throughout the week-long training, participants engaged in expert-led workshops, lectures, and practical exercises — including an immersive negotiation simulation designed to strengthen strategic thinking, communication, and consensus-building under pressure.
Reflecting on his experiences in the diplomatic training, Mr Brown said: “The diplomatic training in Kosovo was an opportunity to further refine the core skills that underpin effective diplomacy. Engaging directly with senior officials and fellow diplomats from around the world provided valuable perspective on how diplomacy is applied to shape outcomes and build cooperation in a complex and fast-changing international environment.
For me, this experience reinforced the importance of maintaining a strategic and steady approach in advancing the Cook Islands’ interests and strengthened my own ability to represent our country with professionalism, discipline, and credibility among global counterparts.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration extends its appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Kosovo for its hospitality and commitment to strengthening global diplomatic cooperation. The Cook Islands’ participation in this training reflects MFAI’s dedication to cultivating a skilled and forward-looking diplomatic corps, committed to advancing national interests with professionalism and purpose. It also underscores the Ministry’s pursuit of meaningful engagement beyond the Pacific region, as MFAI continues to elevate the Cook Islands’ presence internationally and strengthen its contribution to global dialogue.
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